Forsling scores OT winner with 4.3 seconds left, Panthers spoil Hurricanes’ banner raising

Markstrom posts 15-save shutout in debut of second stint with Florida

FLA@CAR: Forsling breaks the ice and wins it in overtime

By Kurt Dusterberg
NHL.com Independent Correspondent

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Gustav Forsling scored with 4.3 seconds remaining in overtime, and the Florida Panthers defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes 1-0 at Lenovo Center on Tuesday in the season opener for both teams.

Forsling one-timed a pass from Carter Verhaghe just inside the blue line.

Jacob Markstrom, who was acquired in a trade with the New Jersey Devils on June 30, made 15 saves for the Panthers. Markstrom was Florida’s second-round pick (No. 31) in the 2008 NHL Draft and played his first four seasons for the Panthers.

Florida finished seventh in the Atlantic Division and missed the playoffs last season after winning the Stanley Cup in 2024 and 2025. 

Brandon Bussi made 19 saves for the Hurricanes.

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